The Fish and Boat Commission is now accepting applications for the Fishing and Aquatic Education Grant Program. The deadline for applications is May 1.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to fund purchases of equipment, materials and cover other costs associated with educational programs and field trips. Funding will be awarded after July 1.

Re-engaging youth in fishing and conservation is a major point of emphasis for the Commission. Statistics from the National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Recreation show that in 1980, 26 percent of the Pennsylvania kids aged 6-15 fished. In 1995, that number climbed to 41 percent, but dropped to 35 percent in 2000.

Re-engaging youth in outdoor activities is critical to the future of sportfishing and building a more environmentally connected citizenry, says PFBC Executive Director Doug Austen.

“Research clearly shows that good, well-structured youth fishing programs lead to kids increasing their interest in fishing more, improving their skills, and helping them build a greater sense of aquatic stewardship and outdoor ethics,” said Austen. “It’s not enough for us as an agency to talk about more and better programs to involve Pennsylvania’s youth in fishing and aquatic education. We want to put our money where our mouth is and this new grants program is one way to do that.”

The Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants program expands on the Commission long-standing commitment to youth education. The Commission spends about $450,000 annually on such efforts.

Currently 45,000 children receive the Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth (PLAY) newsletter from the Commission four times a year; 5,000 Pennsylvania school teachers have been trained and use the PFBC’s aquatic education curriculum; and more than 400 PFBC fishing skills instructors teach thousands of children in angling basics annually.

In addition, the Commission provides equipment and support for 25 free tackle loaner sites statewide. The PFBC is looking to add more sites this year, potentially through the grant program.

The PFBC has budgeted $50,000 for this first round of Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Grants and is hopeful that figure can be increased in future years.

For applications and more information, visit the Fishing and Aquatic Education Programs webpage.

3/10/2006